Ham and Egg Fried Rice
People value this ham and egg fried rice recipe for its simplicity, quick preparation, and ability to use leftover rice, making it a convenient and flavorful meal option.
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Ham and egg fried rice is a popular variation of egg fried rice that features diced ham and scrambled eggs as key ingredients. We prepare this dish by stir-frying cooked rice with pieces of ham and eggs, often adding vegetables like peas or carrots. We often season it with soy sauce. The ham adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor, while the eggs contribute a rich, creamy texture.
How To Cook Ham and Egg Fried Rice
seasoning the cooked rice
To begin, combine the cooked rice, salt, and garlic powder in a bowl. Mixing these ingredients evenly ensures the rice is flavorful throughout. It’s best to use cooked rice that’s been chilled or left overnight, as this prevents mushiness during frying. Set this seasoned rice mixture aside for later use.
Sautéing Chopped Ham for Crispiness
Next, heat 2 teaspoons of canola oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped ham and sauté it for about 2 minutes. This step allows the ham to crisp up. Crisp ham provides a nice texture contrast.
Incorporating Seasoned Rice into the Ham
After the ham is cooked, carefully introduce the seasoned rice mixture into the pan. Stir thoroughly to combine, ensuring that the rice is evenly mixed with the ham. This step is crucial for achieving a harmonious flavor profile in your ham and egg fried rice.
Enhancing Flavors with Soy Sauce
Then, pour in 1 tablespoon of low sodium soy sauce and continue to stir the mixture. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together, creating a delicious umami taste that complements the ham and rice beautifully.
Cooking Beaten Eggs Without Making Rice Mushy
To cook the eggs without making the rice mushy, push the rice and ham mixture to one side of the pan. Clear a space on the other side and pour in the beaten eggs. Let the eggs cook undisturbed for a moment, then use the tip of your spatula to cut them into small pieces. This ensures they blend well into the rice. Finally, mix the cooked eggs back into the rice and ham mixture. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Allow all the ingredients to heat through and integrate.
Once done, transfer your flavorful ham and egg fried rice to a serving plate, ready to share with family or friends. Enjoy this delicious meal!
Ham And Egg Fried Rice Ingredients
If you’re preparing a tasty egg fried rice recipe, be sure to check out these tips for a perfect fried rice. Scroll down for the list of ingredients.
- 4 cups cooked rice (preferably a day old) – Using cooked rice that has been chilled or left overnight helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy when fried. The texture of day-old rice is firmer and more suitable for stir-frying.
- 3/4 cups ham (chopped into small pieces) – Ham adds a savory flavor and protein to the dish. It should be chopped into small pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the ham and egg fried rice.
- 2 raw eggs (beaten) – Beaten eggs are mixed into the rice to add protein and create a richer texture. The eggs should be beaten before cooking to ensure they cook evenly and integrate well with the rice.
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce – Soy sauce adds a salty, umami flavor to the rice. Using low sodium soy sauce helps control the salt content, making the ham and egg fried rice healthier.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Salt enhances the overall flavor of this fried rice. It should be used carefully to avoid over-seasoning, especially since soy sauce also adds saltiness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional) – This is optional but is highly recommended! Fried rice recipes are best when they’re garlicky.
- 2 teaspoons canola oil – Only adds a subtle, neutral flavor for stir-frying.
Nutritional Benefits Of Ham And Egg Fried Rice
Cooking ham and egg fried rice not only creates a delicious dish but also offers important nutrients. Eggs are a great source of protein and vitamins, such as B12, which help with energy and brain function. Ham adds extra protein and iron, which are essential for muscle health and overall well-being. Including vegetables, like sweet peas, enhances the meal by providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This easy-to-make dish is a convenient way to enjoy a balanced and nutritious meal.
A Popular Breakfast Option
Ham and egg fried rice is a favored breakfast choice for many, including I, due to its quick preparation and satisfying nature. This dish provides a substantial energy boost to start the day and pairs well with other traditional Filipino breakfast items such as tapa, tocino, longanisa, and embutido. On days when a simpler meal is preferred, it is enjoyed on its own, especially when generously topped with extra ham. For a healthier option, adding vegetables to this fried rice recipe can enhance its nutritional value while still maintaining its delicious taste.
Best Pairings for Ham and Egg Fried Rice
I know there are tons of dishes that go great with egg fried rice and ham, but here are my top picks!
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Ham and Egg Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked rice preferably a day old
- 3/4 cups ham chopped into small pieces
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder optional
- 2 teaspoons canola oil
Instructions
- Combine rice, salt and garlic powder. Gently mix the ingredients using a slotted spoon or your clean hands. Set aside.4 cups cooked rice, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Heat the oil in a pan.2 teaspoons canola oil
- Add the ham and cook for 2 minutes.3/4 cups ham
- Put-in the rice. Stir.
- Add soy sauce and stir. Cook for 5 minutes.1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- Clear one side of the pan by moving the rice on the other side to the point where you can see the bottom of the pan.
- Pour-in the beaten egg. Let it cook then cut it into small pieces using the tip of your spatula.2 eggs
- Mix the egg with the rice and other ingredients. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes more.
- Transfer to a serving plate. Serve.
- Share and enjoy.
Donna Tillman Bardocz says
I made this for my hubby and me tonight with leftover rice. It was delicious!
Scribbles of a Lunatic Mind says
A Great Way to start your day!
Tessie Sumilang says
Keep up your good work and best of luck in your coming cook book….Looking forward to it….
Oh yes, hoping to see some recipes of good Pinoy homebread. God Bless you and your Family.
gemma says
nice recipes
melanie menard says
just love to cook more mouthwatering filipino food for my fiance
Rhina Odom says
Thanks for this. Pls. post a Java Rice Recipe. 🙂